In a heartwarming celebration of community spirit, GCI Gives recently shone a spotlight on more than 100 nonprofits across Alaska. Our corporate philanthropy program held its annual nonprofit partner appreciation event at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts to recognize our invaluable partners and highlight the profound impact volunteers have in shaping a vibrant community.
Each year, GCI Gives provides $2 million to Alaska nonprofits in the form of in-kind services, equipment, and scholarships.
The theme of the afternoon was volunteering emphasizing the critical contributions of those who generously offer their time to bolster nonprofit initiatives across the state. GCI champions volunteerism by granting its full-time employees 16 hours of paid time off each year for volunteer work. In 2023, approximately 500 employees rallied together, collectively amassing 4,500 hours of volunteer service —a testament to our commitment to community engagement.
“Volunteers provide much-needed expertise and critical support to nonprofits across the state,” said GCI Chief Marketing Officer Kate Slyker. “It’s such a rewarding experience to give back and make a difference; that’s why GCI makes sure our employees have an opportunity to make an impact at the organizations that matter most to them.”
At the ceremony, GCI IT Engineer Yvonne Charles was awarded the esteemed Trailblazer of the Year award for her exemplary efforts with the Alaska Junior Theater and Shiloh Community Housing.
“Yvonne truly represents what it means to be a Trailblazer. She’s a rockstar employee and does outstanding work both at the office and in her volunteer roles. She has an unwavering commitment to making a difference in her community,” said GCI Senior Manager of Contributions and Events Tiffany Vassar.
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The program also included a panel discussion centered on how to engage volunteers and how organizations can learn from each other to activate volunteers. The panel featured Kim Waller, the founder and CEO of Women’s Power League of Alaska; Kelly Mullin, the Community Engagement Manager for Catholic Social Services; Djuna Davidson, the Director of Advancement for the Alutiiq Museum in Kodiak; and GCI employee Yvonne Charles. Each panelist shared how nonprofits stayed strong during tough times, especially amidst the challenges of the pandemic, and offered advice to those moving forward on retaining volunteers.
“I always make it a point to send out personalized letters to those who generously give their time as volunteers,” said Waller. “Because, as was mentioned here, we step up to volunteer for the things that we really care about, right? So, I make sure to let our volunteers know that they were seen and appreciated, and I make sure to thank them in those public spaces.”
GCI also recognized its Good Neighbor of the Year, given to a person who makes a significant impact in their community and Alaska. Executive Director of Bethel Community Services Foundation Michelle DeWitt was recognized for her tireless efforts in leading the foundation’s initiatives. Over her 30-year career, she has led the Tundra Women’s Coalition providing safe, empowering services to families. In her current role she supports nonprofits in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region through programs like Bethel Gives, Bethel Winter House, Best in the West, and the Bethel Food Pantry.
“Many are familiar with Michelle DeWitt’s relentless drive to improve the lives of residents in her community. At GCI, we like to recognize those who embody what it means to be a good neighbor. That’s why it is our honor to acknowledge her dedication to her community as the 2024 GCI Gives Good Neighbor of the Year,” said Vassar.